“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” – Elvis Presley’s Timeless Ballad

Introduction

“Are You Lonesome Tonight?” is one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic and enduring ballads. Released in 1960, the song showcases Presley’s vocal prowess and emotional depth, solidifying his status as the “King of Rock and Roll.” Written by Roy Turk and Lou Handman in 1926, the song had seen various interpretations over the years, but it was Elvis’s rendition that elevated it to legendary status.

The Story Behind the Song

Originally composed as a vaudeville-style tune, “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” found success through various artists in the early 20th century. However, it was Elvis Presley who brought a newfound emotional intensity to the song. In 1960, Elvis decided to record his version during a session at RCA Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. The result was a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcased a different side of Presley’s musical talent.

Did you know

1. Original Release: Did you know that “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” was originally written in 1926 by Roy Turk and Lou Handman? It gained popularity in various renditions before Elvis Presley’s iconic version.
2. Spoken Segment: Did you know that one of the live versions of the song includes a famous “laughing section”? During a particular performance, Elvis couldn’t contain his laughter during the spoken-word segment, creating a memorable and unexpected moment.
3. Studio Sessions: Did you know that Elvis recorded “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” during a late-night session at RCA Studios in Nashville on April 3, 1960? The recording captured the emotional depth of the song and contributed to its lasting impact.

Video

Lyrics

Are you lonesome tonight?
Do you miss me tonight?
Are you sorry we drifted apart?
Does your memory stray to a bright summer day
When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?

Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?
Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?
Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight
You know someone said that the world’s a stage and each of us must play a part
Fate had me playing in love with you as my sweetheart
Act one was where we met
I loved you at first glance
You read your lines so cleverly and never missed a cue

Then came act two, you seemed to change, you acted strange
And why I’ve never known
Honey, you lied when you said you loved me
And I had no cause to doubt you
But I’d rather go on hearing your lies
Than to go on living without you

Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there
With emptiness all around
And if you won’t come back to me
Then they can bring the curtain down

Is your heart filled with pain
Shall I come back again?
Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?